original
/ɔ.ʁi.ʒi.nal/masculine
The English phrase original can be translated into French as original.
As a masculine noun, original refers to the object from which all later copies and variations are derived. It can also function as an adjective meaning first in a series or describing something as fresh and different.
Meaning: object from which all later copies and variations are derived (noun)
Which one should you use?
When used as a noun meaning 'the original object', the word is the masculine original. When used as an adjective, it must agree with the gender of the noun it modifies.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using original as an adjective, the feminine form is originale, which is created by adding an 'e' to the end.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ.ʁi.ʒi.nal/
Did you know?
- When calling someone original in French, the speaker may actually be politely hinting that the person is odd or weird, rather than purely praising their creativity.
- The word original is a doublet of originel. While original often describes a creative or eccentric spirit, originel is typically reserved for things existing from the very beginning, such as le péché originel meaning 'original sin'.
- In French legal and administrative contexts, l'original refers to the official signed document, while le double is the term used for a certified copy rather than just a 'copy'.
Examples in context
- Où est l'original ?Where's the original?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the original.Tatoeba #6829030 by Aiji, translation #2254664 by CK
- Ce n'est pas original.That's not original.This sentence is useful for stating that something is not original.Tatoeba #5920262 by Aiji, translation #5306544 by AlanF_US
- Lequel est l'original ?Which one is the original?This sentence is useful for asking which object is the original.Tatoeba #14041978 by Myrano_, translation #14039458 by maaster
- L'exposition d'art contemporain était authentique, mettant en valeur des œuvres originales et avant-gardistes.The contemporary art exhibition was authentic, showcasing original and avant-garde works.
- Ce film est carrément original, j'ai adoré son approche unique et décalée.This movie is totally original, I loved its unique and offbeat approach.
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are in an art gallery.
- GabrielEst-ce que c'est l'original, Emma ?Is this the original, Emma?
- EmmaNon, c'est une reproduction.No, it is a reproduction.
- GabrielOù est l'original alors ?Where is the original then?
- EmmaIl est dans une autre salle.It is in another room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “original” translations and entries original, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
